by Sarah Lynch and Naser Najjar, Special for USA TODAY

by Sarah Lynch and Naser Najjar, Special for USA TODAY

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- Shops reopened and life began to return to normal in Gaza after an Egypt-brokered truce ending Israeli airstrikes and Hamas rockets held overnight and into Thursday.

"We are very happy," said Umm Alaa, 55. "We wanted to stop the massacres that happened."

There were long lines at supermarkets and bakeries as locals stocked up on supplies that were depleted over the eight-day bombardment. It was the worst breakout over hostilities between Hamas and Israel in four years.

Israel launched the offensive Nov. 14 to halt renewed rocket fire from Gaza. The offensive included about 1,500 airstrikes on Gaza while militant groups in the strip set off hundreds of rockets targeted at southern Israel as well as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

In Gaza, 161 people died. In Israel, five died.

Regardless, both sides claimed victory. Wednesday night in Gaza, people streamed out into the streets to celebrate, shooting guns in the air and singing.

"The masses taking to the streets last night to celebrate sent a message that Gaza can't be defeated," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said.

Even as people worried that that the truce won't last, they were hopeful that they could start rebuilding their lives.

Across from an obliterated municipal building, shop owners swept rubble and broken glass Thursday as traffic filled the streets.

"We plan now to try to get over it, restore the place, and move on," said restaurant owner Omar Esbeh, 45.

As life returned to calm, people continued to express a sense of relief.

Political rivals Fatah and Hamas united in small celebrations throughout the city Thursday, their respective green and yellow flags waving throughout the streets.

"We may have different political views, but we support Hamas' role during the eight days," said Faisal Abu Shahla, a Fatah leader. "They did the right thing in defending the people against the occupation. We're with them until the end."

Om Rafat Salhi, who lives in the Nusirat camp in Gaza City, was squeezing some tomatoes with bread to serve to her five children.

"This is the only thing I can provide my sons for the time being," she said. "The shop that my husband works at has been closed for more than a week and he didn't earn anything in this time.